Media minister Catherine Martin backs taxpayer funding to replace RTÉ licence fee despite ‘various opinions’ at Cabinet

Three reports into governance at RTÉ were published yesterday, after which Ms Martin met with the RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst and board chair Terence O’Rourke, where they accepted the recommendations put forward.

Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One, Ms Martin said they will share an implementation plan with her “within six weeks” which she will then bring to Cabinet.

The decisions around future funding for the national broadcaster will be made “before the summer” with a focus on a “sustainable” model.

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Ms Martin said there are “various opinions at the Cabinet table” on how public service media should be funded going forward, though she is in favour of the Exchequer option of funding it from general taxation “given the impact of the controversy on the TV licence revenues”.

She said more than half of spending on public service broadcasting was funded by the Exchequer last year and she believes it can work in the instance, despite Tánaiste Micheál Martin believing the TV licence should be retained.

"To be clear, I think [with] all models, there is a risk of a level of political involvement so even the licence fee rate as we have now is set by Government,” Ms Martin said.

"There are advantages and disadvantages to all models but I believe the Exchequer model is one that should be considered.”

The full Exchequer funding model or the “household broadcasting charge” model are the two options on the table rather than a hybrid mix of the two, she said.

Ms Martin said Green Party leader Eamon Ryan will support her recommendation.

The full strategy from RTÉ is expected “in the coming weeks” and should come ahead of the funding decision being made.

Ms Martin emphasised that the funding covers not just about RTÉ but all public service broadcasting, such as TG4 and local radio.

The first tranche of a €40 million allocation to shore up RTÉ’s finances can now be distributed, with the second half to become available when Ms Martin sees evidence of the implementation of recommendations.

Ms Martin said she is “very satisfied” with the changes that have so far been made in the governance structures of RTÉ and she expects an implementation report within six weeks.

She could not be drawn on what would happen if Bambie Thug wins the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö on Saturday, which would bring the competition to Ireland next year.

Ms Martin congratulated the Cork singer on an “electric performance” and a “hopeful night for us all”.

"Look, if we win, let’s celebrate that moment firstly,” she said.

Asked whether Ireland could “afford” the win, she said: “Look, let’s just wish Bambie Thug the very best of luck. I think all of us are behind them and are delighted with their success.”